Courtesy photo by RICHARD O'NEILL
After a 1 1/2 mile walk through forest, the Mule Mountain Trail breaks out onto the more open slopes of the mountain. Hiker Edwin Case of Canyonville recently hiked the trail.

Courtesy photo by RICHARD O'NEILL
Western fence lizards, also know as blue bellies, were out in force on a recent warm spring day along the Mule Mountain Trail. This young lizard enjoys the warmth of a rock.

Courtesy photo by RICHARD O'NEILL
Hiker Edwin Case of Canyonville hikes the Mule Mountain Trail in the Rogue River National Forest south of Grants Pass. The trail contours around the steep slopes of Mule Mountain. In the distance with flecks of snow on it is Little Grayback Mountain.